J. Albert Gamboa l January 2, 2024 l Manila Bulletin
Fifteen years ago, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and six other non-government organizations incorporated the Buy Pinoy Movement (BPM) as a foundation. BPM Foundation was launched in 2008 using the tagline of “Buy Pinoy, Save Jobs” to promote Philippine made products and services in order to generate jobs while advocating consumer welfare and encouraging the growth of industries.
2024 marks the FFCCCII’s 70th anniversary and the theme of its platinum jubilee celebration is “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy.” With 170 chapters across 17 regions nationwide, the non-profit organization has been a strong partner of the government in development and nation-building.
Dr. Cecilio Pedro, FFCCCII President for 2023-2025, disclosed that this year’s theme is anchored on programs and activities focusing on global competitiveness, cultural development, socio-civic and educational philanthropy. “We contributed much as a dynamic catalyst of progress and we hope to remain instrumental in strengthening Philippine business,” he said.
To actively promote entrepreneurship, the federation supports projects for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It provides free seminars and workshops on productivity improvement to encourage the setting up of more MSMEs and enhance company performance. Among its growth advocacies are in the sectors of agriculture, digitalization, information and communications technology services, tourism, and energy development.
FFCCCII also conducts investment and trade missions to other countries with the objective of gaining market access at a business-to-business level. Last month, one of its member-organizations known as the Philippine E-Com United Association organized a goodwill trip of Filipino businessmen to the city of Zhangzhou in Fujian Province that included a nuclear power plant and a seafood factory in their itinerary.
Recently, the federation honored two distinguished Filipinos of Chinese ancestry for their outstanding achievements in sports and pageantry. Ernest John “EJ” Uy Obiena received a P5-million gift from FFCCCII last October 10 in recognition of his contributions to Philippine sports and an additional P1-million grant for his participation in the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Last December 28, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee was awarded by FFCCCII for her accomplishments not only as the country’s representative to the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant held in El Salvador – where she made it to the Top 10 – but also for her civic causes as goodwill ambassador for the Department of Tourism and the Autism Society Philippines.
In his speech, Dr. Pedro cited Michelle as the embodiment of “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy” values for “cherishing her ethnic Chinese heritage while being an exemplary Filipino citizen contributing to Philippine progress.” She is the granddaughter of former FFCCCII Vice President and China Banking Corporation Chairman Dee K. Chiong, and the grandniece of China Bank Founder Dee C. Chuan.
According to FFCCCII Vice President Jeffrey Ng, these recognition awards serve as a powerful tool to inspire members of the Chinoy community to strive for excellence and engage in public service. He concluded that “by acknowledging the exceptional talents and skills of Michelle and EJ, we aim to motivate not only these remarkable individuals but also inspire our youth to shine in their respective fields.”
*** J. Albert Gamboa is a Life Member of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) and Vice-Chair of the FINEX Ethics Committee. The opinion expressed herein does not necessarily reflect the views of these institutions and the Manila Bulletin. #FinexPhils www.finex.org.ph